Method and system for controlling water system fouling

ABSTRACT

A method and system flows water through a water system in proximity to an ion generation device and to a source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that combines photochemistry principles, heavy metal toxicity, and UV light radiation to form a highly effective combined water disinfection process. Using ion generation and UV irradiation, the method and system synergistically improves the disinfection and bactericidal effects of ion generation or UV radiation working individually by making ion-exposed microorganisms more susceptible and less resistant to the bactericidal effects of UV radiation. The combined method and system of the present invention may include control means such that the method and system can be configured for single pass through, dual pass through or for recirculation such that the order of exposure to the ion generation and UV radiation aspects can be varied or altered. The method and system of the present invention may also be provided with means for controlling the system flow rate, ion generation and UV radiation levels to maximize performance, to minimize energy consumption, and, in some situations, to selectively target certain microorganisms for inactivation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to methods and devices used with watersystems. More particularly, it relates to a method and system forexposing water, flowing through the water system, to the synergisticcombination of an ion generator and a source of ultraviolet radiationwhereby the exposed water and its contents are irradiated by theultraviolet light and metallic ions are fed into the water flow toprevent fouling of the water system by algae, nuisance invertebrates,microorganisms, and inorganic salts. This invention also specificallyrelates to an enhanced method and system that utilizes the iongenerating devices of the inventors' prior inventions, as disclosed andclaimed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,350,385; 6,800,207; and 6,852,236.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ultraviolet light (UV) radiation has long been considered a viablemethod for drinking water disinfection due to its ability to inactivateprotozoa and other microbial species. UV of a given wavelength isabsorbed by the cellular nucleotides of bacteria, viruses and othermicroorganisms and causes cross-linking, or demerization, of their RNAand DNA, thereby destroying their ability to multiply and therebyeffectively disinfecting the water. Further, UV light radiation does notcreate significant disinfection by-products. However, due to the costthat is directly proportional to power requirements, UV disinfection canbe very expensive to implement. Power requirements for UV disinfectiondepend primarily on the required fluence, or the product of irradianceand exposure time.

Ion generators have also been employed in previous attempts to controlalgae, nuisance invertebrates, and microorganisms. Such ion generatorsare based on well-known principles of electrochemical reactions, one ofwhich is referred to as electrolysis. Electrolysis is an electrochemicalprocess by which electrical energy is used to promote chemical reactionsthat occur on the surface of functionally cooperating electrodes. Oneelectrode, called the anode, involves the oxidation process wherechemical species lose electrons. A second electrode, called the cathode,involves the reduction process where electrons are gained. In water, forexample, oxygen is generated at the anode and hydrogen is generated atthe cathode. The generation of hydrogen and oxygen in fresh water by theprocess of electrolysis will be weak due to the low electricalconductivity of the water. The oxygen generated aids in the preventionof the deposit of inorganic salts on the electrodes. The function of anion generator is also to produce metal ions, typically copper ions orsilver ions. Metal ion production is accomplished by use of anelectrically charged metal anode that comprises atoms of the metal ionsthat are to be generated. It is the purpose of the ion generator to feedthe metal ions out of the generator before they can be deposited on acathode. The metal ions and oxygen, both of which are produced by theion generator, are feed into the water stream of the water system toprevent fouling of the system by algae, nuisance invertebrates,microorganisms, and inorganic salts. As previously mentioned, theseinventors have devised ion generators utilizing these principles andwhich are the subject of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,350,385; 6,800,207; and6,852,236 issued to Holt, et al.

The toxicity of copper and silver to aquatic organisms is wellestablished although the exact mechanism is not well defined. Thebactericidal effects of silver, for example, have been known forcenturies. Silver has been shown to be effective as a disinfectantagainst coliforms and viruses, including human adenoviruses, as well asother microbial species. In general, these heavy metals must be in anionic form in order for them to be toxic to invertebrates,microorganisms and algae. The eradication of microorganisms isattributed to positively charged ions that are both surface active andmicrobiocidal. These ions attach themselves to the negatively chargedbacterial cell wall of the microorganism and destroy cell wallpermeability. This action, coupled with protein de-naturation, inducescell lysis and eventual death. One advantage to the use of metalionization, for example, is that eradication efficacy is whollyunaffected by water temperature. Chlorine, a commonly used antifoulingchemical, is somewhat temperature dependent. Furthermore, the metal ionsactually kill the microorganisms, and other microorganism-promotingbacteria and protozoa, rather than merely suppress them, as in the caseof chlorine. This minimizes the possibility of later re-colonization.Other advantages of metal ionization compared to other eradicationtechniques include relatively low cost, straightforward installation,easy maintenance, and the presence of residual disinfectant throughoutthe system. In water, and at concentrations sufficient for bactericidalactivity, silver does not impart taste, color or odor and has noapparent detrimental effects on mammalian cells. Accordingly, the UnitedStates Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) does not set a primarydrinking water standard for silver.

The photochemistry of silver salts, or silver compounds, is also wellknown. When silver salts are exposed to light, silver ions and freeelectrons are generated which, in turn, combine to form silver atoms.The silver atoms produce the “latent image” which is enhanced throughthe development process.

In the view of these inventors, what is needed is an ion generating andUV generating disinfection system that uniquely combines silverphotochemistry principles, heavy metal toxicity, and UV light radiationto form a highly effective combined water disinfection method andsystem. Such a combination would be highly lethal to a broad range ofmicrobial organisms, including viruses, because it would synergisticallyimprove the disinfection or bactericidal effects of ion generation or UVradiation working individually. This synergism occurs because, forexample, silver ions complex with the DNA of microorganisms, making themeven more susceptible and less resistant to the bactericidal effects ofUV radiation. Such a combined method and system would, in effect, workto immediately kill most of the microorganisms and then cause a residualkilling mechanism to greatly enhance the water disinfection process. Inthe view of these inventors, what is needed is such a method and systemwhereby the system can be configured for single pass through, dual passthrough or for recirculation such that the order of exposure to the iongeneration and Uv radiation aspects can be varied, altered, or combinedas desired or required by any particular application. What is alsoneeded is such a method and system that includes means for controllingion concentration and UV fluence levels to maximize performance, tominimize energy consumption, and, in some situations, to selectivelytarget certain microorganisms for inactivation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, a principal object of this invention to provide a newand useful method and system for exposing the water flow within a watersystem to an ion generation device and to a source of UV radiation thatcombines silver photochemistry principles, heavy metal toxicity, and UVlight radiation to form a highly effective combined water disinfectionprocess. It is another object of this invention to provide such a methodand system whereby the combination is highly lethal to a broad range ofmicrobial organisms, including viruses. It is still another object ofthe present invention to provide such a method and system thatsynergistically improves the disinfection or bactericidal effects of iongeneration or UV radiation working individually by making ion-exposedmicroorganisms more susceptible and less resistant to the bactericidaleffects of UV radiation. It is yet another object of the presentinvention to provide such a combined method and system whereby immediatekilling of most of the microorganisms occurs and then residual killingfollows as to other microorganisms to greatly enhance the waterdisinfection process. It is still another object of the presentinvention to provide such a method and system whereby the system can beconfigured for single pass through or for recirculation such that theorder of exposure to the ion generation and W radiation aspects can bevaried or altered as desired or required by any particular application.It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such amethod and system whereby means are provided for controlling ionconcentration and UV fluence levels to maximize performance, to minimizeenergy consumption, and, in some situations, to selectively targetcertain microorganisms for inactivation.

The present invention has obtained these objects. It provides a methodand system in which water flowing through a water system flows inproximity to an ion generation device and to a source of UV radiationthat combines silver photochemistry principles, heavy metal toxicity,and UV light radiation to form a highly effective combined waterdisinfection process. Using ion generation and UV irradiation, themethod and system synergistically improves the disinfection andbactericidal effects of ion generation or UV radiation workingindividually by making ion-exposed microorganisms more susceptible andless resistant to the bactericidal effects of UV radiation. The combinedmethod and system of the present invention may include control meanssuch that the method and system can be configured for single passthrough, multiple pass through, or for recirculation such that the orderof exposure to the ion generation and UV radiation aspects can be variedor altered. The method and system of the present invention may also beprovided with means for controlling ion generation and UV fluence levelsto maximize performance, to minimize energy consumption, and, in somesituations, to selectively target certain microorganisms forinactivation.

The foregoing and other features of the method and system of the presentinvention will be apparent from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a combined ion generating andUV generating disinfection system configured in a one pass system inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a combined ion generating andUV generating disinfection system configured in a dual one pass systemin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a combined ion generating andUV generating disinfection system configured in a recirculating systemin accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawing in detail, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematicdiagram of a first preferred embodiment of a system, generallyidentified 10, that utilizes the method of the present invention. Asshown, the system 10 includes the essential components of a UVdisinfection unit 20 and a silver ion generator 30, the components beingconfigured in a one pass system 10. That is, water flowing through thesystem 10 passes through the system 10 and each of its essentialcomponents 20, 30 only once. The UV disinfection unit 20 and the silverion generator 30 form part of a water flow continuum. More specifically,the UV disinfection unit 20 is configured for attachment to a waterinput line 22 and to an output line 26, which is also the systemdischarge line. The ion generator 30 is similarly configured forattachment to a water input line 32 and to an output line 34, the inputline 32 also being the system inlet line. The output line 34 of the iongenerator 30 is functionally attached to the input line 22 of the UVdisinfection unit 20. As shown, the UV disinfection unit 20 isdownstream from the ion generator 30. However, such is not a limitationof the present invention. The system 10 could be alternativelyconfigured to place the ion generator 30 downstream from the UVdisinfection unit 20 without deviating from the scope of the presentinvention. Interposed between the ion generator 30 and the UVdisinfection unit 20 is an output signal device 40, the significance ofwhich will be apparent later in this detailed description.

The UV disinfection unit 20 of the present invention is of a type thatuses a special low-pressure mercury vapor lamp. Preferably, the lamp ismounted out of the water or is housed in a UV-transparent sleeve that islocated inside a water flow chamber, the lamp not being in directcontact with the water. One or more lamp and sleeve arrays may be used.Water passing through the unit 20 is directly exposed to the UVradiation that is emitted by the lamp. The water flow chamber can be acylindrical or other shaped aluminum or stainless steel shell having ahighly polished inner surface such that UV light is reflected off theinner surface and back into the water flow in a mirror-like fashion. Inthis way, the UV radiation is dissipated almost entirely within thewater because all reflections are near loss-less of the total internalreflectivity of the shell. In order to “kill” microorganisms, the UVradiation must actually strike the cell. Accordingly, certain watercontaminants can somewhat reduce the transmissivity of UV radiationwithin the shell and, ultimately, the amount of UV radiation thatreaches the bacteria or virus sought to be irradiated. Additionally,suspended particles may result in partially “shielding” certainmicroorganisms that are buried within the particles, thus passing thosemicroorganisms through the shell unaffected by the UV radiation. It isgenerally recognized that the germicidal wavelength of UV radiation isbetween 100 and 300 nanometers, which lies between visible light andx-rays on the electromagnetic wavelength spectrum. The optimal UVwavelength for disinfection is 254 nanometers which is the mercuryresonance line of most commercially-available short wave low pressuremercury vapor tubes. It is to be understood, however, that the preciseconfiguration of the shell, and of the UV light tube or tubes within theshell, is not a limitation of the present invention. Variousconfigurations could be used without deviating from the scope of theclaims that follow.

The ion generator 30 of the present invention is of the type morespecifically described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,350,385; 6,800,207; and6,852,236, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, andgenerally includes a containment tank that is cylindrical in physicalconfiguration. Attachable to the tank is a tank cover or lid preferablyconstructed of a special polymer plastic material that providesstrength, durability and electrical non-conductivity. Attached to theunderside of the lid are a number of functionally cooperatingelectrodes, including at least one anode and at least one cathode. It isto be understood that the number of such electrodes is not a functionallimitation of the present invention. Other combinations could beprovided, such as two anodes and two cathodes, and so on, withoutdeviating from the scope of the present invention. The anode and thecathode are each fabricated in the shape of a rectangular prism. In thepreferred embodiment of the system 10 of the present invention, theanode is made of silver as is the cathode. Again, the material fromwhich each of the electrodes is made is not a limitation of the presentinvention, other than that the material used must enable the process ofelectrolysis. An electrical potential is applied across at least oneanode and at least one cathode and providing electronic circuitry forproviding periodic polarity reversal between said at least one anode andsaid at least one cathode. In the preferred embodiment, a power supplyon the order of several hundred watts may be applied to achieve theelectrochemical process of electrolysis across the electrodes.

The anode and the cathode are placed in parallel planar relation to oneanother. In this parallel planar relation, the plane defined by eachelectrode is substantially parallel to the axis of the input line 32.The input line 32 is generally perpendicular to the axis of the tank ofthe ion generator 30. The tank and the input line 32 are functionallycooperative to allow water to flow into the tank interior in awhirlpool-like or double vortex flow. In this fashion, water enters thetank and is directed to forcibly flow between the electrodes. Uponexiting the area between the electrodes, the water follows an annularwall surface in a whirlpool-like or turbulent double vortex-typefashion. That is, the water flow is effectively “split” at that portionof the wall surface immediately opposite the input and continues in twoopposite directions back around the electrodes and along the wallsurface. This double vortex turbulence facilitates the electrolysisprocess and the migration of silver ions away from the anode and awayfrom the cathode before the ions have a chance to attach themselves tothe cathode thus defeating the purpose of ionic water treatment. Thewater ionization serves to control algae, nuisance invertebrates,microorganisms and inorganic salts lurking in other parts of the watersystem 10 within which the ion generator 30 is incorporated. As theeletrolysis process continues, an electronic polarity reverser cycles atreversing rates deemed appropriate for a specific site operation.Gradually, the anode effectively becomes used up as ions are given up tothe water flow. The containment tank also includes a sight glass definedwithin the wall of the tank, the purpose of which is to provide visualaccess to the tank interior.

The sight glass allows the user to view the containment tank interior todetermine if anode wastage has occurred to the point that the anode mustbe replaced.

In the first preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the UV disinfectionunit 20 is electronically coupled 14 to, and its operation is controlledby, a UV controller 28. Similarly, the ion generator 30 iselectronically coupled 18 to, and its operation is controlled by, an iongenerator (IG) controller 36. The UV controller 28 and the IG controller36 are each electronically coupled 12, 16, respectively, to aprogrammable logic controller (PLC) 50. Alternatively, the PLC 50 mayinclude the controllers 28, 36 as part of its integrated circuitry. Thesystem 10 also includes an output signal device 40, as previouslymentioned, the output signal device 40 being electronically coupled 48to the PLC 50. The output device 40 provides a signal to the PLC 50based on flow rate. The PLC 50 is electronically coupled 12, 16 tocontrollers 28, 36. Controllers 28, 36 are electronically coupled 14, 18to UV disinfection unit 20 and ion generator 30, respectively.Controllers 28, 36 adjust UV fluence 20 and ion concentration generation30 based on flow demand. The output device 40 further includes an inputline 42, the input line 42 being coupled to the output line 34 of theion generator 30, and an output line 46, the output line 46 beingcoupled to the input line 22 of the UV disinfection unit 20.

In application, water flows into the system 10 by means of the firstinput line 32 to the ion generator 30. The water is treated by ionicdischarge as it passes through the unit 30. The treated water isdischarged at the output line 34 of the ion generator 30 and flowsthrough the input line 22 of UV disinfection unit 20. The water is thentreated by UV radiation as it passes through this UV disinfection unit20. The output signal device 40 may be used to control ion generationand UV fluence levels to maximize performance, to minimize energyconsumption, and, in some situations, to selectively target certainmicroorganisms for inactivation. In short, any number of systemparameters may be monitored and controlled by use of the output signaldevice 40 in combination with the PLC 50. During this process, it isalso to be understood that a pre-programmed scheme exists within the PLC50 for operating the controllers 28, 36 and the UV disinfection unit 20and the ion generator 30, respectively, as is desired or required. It isalso to be understood that the configuration of the preferred embodimentof the system 10 could be altered to place the UV disinfection unit 20upstream from the ion generator 30 without deviating from the scope ofthis invention.

Referring now to FIG. 2, it illustrates a schematic diagram of a secondpreferred embodiment of a system, generally identified 110, that alsoutilizes the method of the present invention. As shown, the system 10includes the essential components of a first UV disinfection unit 120, asecond UV disinfection unit 160 and a silver ion generator 130, thecomponents being configured in a dual one pass system 110. That is,water flowing through the system 110 passes through the system 110 andthe one ion generator 130, but through two UV disinfection units 120,160. The UV disinfection units 120, 160 and the silver ion generator 130form part of the water flow continuum. As shown, the first UVdisinfection unit 120 is configured for attachment to a water input line122, or water inlet, and to an output line 126. The second UVdisinfection unit 160 is attached to a water input line 162 and a wateroutput line 164, which is also the system discharge line. The iongenerator 130 is similarly configured for attachment to a water inputline 132 and to an output line 134, the input line 132 being attachableto the output line 126 of the first UV disinfection unit 120 and theoutput line 134 being attachable to the inlet line 162 of the second UVdisinfection unit 160. As shown, the first UV disinfection unit 120 isupstream from the ion generator 130 and the second UV disinfection unit160 is downstream from it. Interposed between the ion generator 130 andthe second UV disinfection unit 160 is an output signal device 140having a water inlet line 142 and an outlet line 144. In application,the operation of this alternative embodiment system 110 is essentiallythe same at that described above for the first system 10 with theexception that the UV controller 128 is coupled 114, 115 to each of theUV disinfection units 120, 160, respectively. The ion generator 130 iscoupled 118 to the IG controller 136 and the PLC 150 is coupled 112, 116to each of the controllers 128, 136, respectively. Any number of systemparameters may be monitored and controlled by use of the output signaldevice 140 in combination with the PLC 150. During this process, it isalso to be understood that a pre-programmed scheme exists within the PLC150 for operating the controllers 128, 136 and the UV disinfection units120, 160 and the ion generator 130, respectively, as is desired orrequired.

FIG. 3 illustrates yet another schematic diagram of a third preferredembodiment of a system, generally identified 210, that similarlyutilizes the method of the present invention. As shown, the system 210includes the essential components of a UV disinfection unit 220 and asilver ion generator 230, the components being configured in are-circulating system 210. That is, water flowing through the system 210passes through the system 210 and the essential components 220, 230, butmay also be re-circulated from the system discharge and back to thesystem inlet 222 by means of a re-circulation pump 270. In this system210, the UV disinfection unit 220, the silver ion generator 230, and thepump 270, each form part of the water flow continuum. As shown, the UVdisinfection unit 220 is configured for attachment to a water input line222 and to an output line 226. The UV disinfection unit 220 is coupled214 to a UV controller 228. Similarly, the ion generator 230 is coupled218 to an IG controller 236. The ion generator 230 is configured forattachment to a water input line 232 and to an output line 234, theinput line 232 being attachable to the output line 226 of the UVdisinfection unit 220 and the output line 234 being attachable to theinlet line 242 of an output signal device 240. The output signal device240 also includes an outlet line 244 that is connected to a first “T”section 280 which, in turn, is connected to the discharge line 248 ofthe system 210 and to the inlet line 272 of the pump 270. A second “T”section 290 is connected to the outlet line 274 of the pump 270 and tothe inlet line 222 of the UV disinfection unit 220. The second “T”section 290 is also connected to the system water inlet 246. Theapplication of this alternative embodiment system 210 is alsoessentially the same at that described above for the first system 10 andthe second system 110 with the exception that the pump 270 is introducedinto the system 210 for the purpose of re-circulating water through thesystem 210 if such is desired or required. As was true with the firstand second embodied systems 10, 110, any number of system parameters maybe monitored and controlled by use of the output signal device 240 incombination with the PLC 250, the PLC 250 being coupled electronically212, 216, 241 to the UV controller 228, the IG controller 236 and theoutput signal device 240, respectively. During this process, it is alsoto be understood that a pre-programmed scheme exists within the PLC 250for operating the controllers 228, 236 and the UV disinfection unit 220and the ion generator 230, respectively, as is desired or required.

From the foregoing description of the illustrative embodiments of theinvention set forth herein, it will be apparent that there has beenprovided a new and useful method and system in which water flowingthrough a water system flows in proximity to an ion generation deviceand to a source of UV radiation that combines silver photochemistryprinciples, heavy metal toxicity, and UV light radiation to form ahighly effective combined water disinfection process. Using iongeneration and UV irradiation, the method and system of the presentinvention synergistically improves the disinfection and bactericidaleffects of ion generation or UV radiation working individually by makingion-exposed microorganisms more susceptible and less resistant to thebactericidal effects of UV radiation. The combined method and system ofthe present invention may include control means such that the method andsystem can be configured for single pass through, dual pass through orfor recirculation such that the order of exposure to the ion generationand UV radiation aspects can be varied or altered. The method and systemof the present invention may also be provided with means for controllingion generation and UV radiation levels to maximize performance, tominimize energy consumption, and, in some situations, to selectivelytarget certain microorganisms for inactivation.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method for preventing fouling of a water systemby algae, nuisance invertebrates, microorganisms and inorganic salts,comprising the steps of providing an apparatus for generating ionswithin the water system, which apparatus comprises a water containmenttank having a generally cylindrical tank interior, means for outputtingwater from said tank, and an ion generating means disposed within saidtank interior, means for inputting water to said tank, said waterinputting means including an input line that is disposed generallyperpendicularly to the tank interior, providing at least one apparatusfor generating ultraviolet radiation within the water system, whereinwater flowing through the system is exposed to ionic discharge andultraviolet radiation, and wherein fouling of the system is prevented.22. The method of claim 21 wherein the ionic discharge level and theultraviolet radiation emission level are each variable and including thesteps of providing an electronically programmed control means andoperating the at least one ultraviolet radiation generating apparatusand the ion generating apparatus in accordance with a pre-programmedscheme.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the pre-programmed schemeoperating step includes selecting one or more from a group consisting ofconfiguration for single pass through, configuration for dual passthrough, configuration for recirculation, configuration wherein thesequence of exposure to the ionic discharge and ultraviolet radiationemission can be varied or altered, and configuration for controlling thesystem flow rate, ionic discharge and ultraviolet radiation levels tomaximize performance, to minimize energy consumption, and to selectivelytarget certain microorganisms for inactivation. 24-28. (canceled)
 29. Amethod for preventing fouling of a water system by algae, nuisanceinvertebrates, microorganisms and inorganic salts, comprising the stepsof providing a water flow continuum, providing an ultravioletdisinfection means within the water flow continuum, and providing an iongenerating means within the water flow continuum, wherein water flowingthrough the ultraviolet disinfection means and through the iongenerating means is treated by exposure to ionic discharge and byexposure to ultraviolet radiation, wherein the ion generating meanscomprises an apparatus for generating ions within the water system,which apparatus comprises a water containment tank having a generallycylindrical tank interior, means for inputting water to said tank, saidwater inputting means including an input line that is disposed generallyperpendicularly to the tank interior, an ion generating means disposedwithin said tank interior, said ion generating means comprising at leastone plate-like rectangular prism-configured anode and at least oneplate-like rectangular prism-configured cathode placed in proximalspatial relation whereby ions are generated there between when anelectrical potential is applied across the at least one anode and the atleast one cathode, and means for outputting water from said tank, andwherein the ion generating means comprises a water containment tank,said tank including a generally cylindrical tank interior, means foroutletting water from said tank, an inlet pipe which is disposedgenerally perpendicularly to the tank interior, wherein said containmenttank includes a tank aperture whereby said tank interior is madeaccessible through said aperture, a cover member that is functionallyadapted to sealingly enclose said tank, said cover member made of anelectrically nonconductive material, a side wall and a sight glassdefined within said tank side wall whereby the tank interior may bevisualized, at least one anode and at least one cathode, means forattaching the at least one anode and the at least one cathode to saidtank cover member in proximal spatial relation whereby ions aregenerated there between when an electrical potential is applied acrossthe at least one anode and the at least one cathode, and electroniccircuitry for periodically reversing polarity of said at least one anodeand said at least one cathode, and wherein said at least one anode andsaid at least one cathode are each configured as a plate-likerectangular prism and placed in generally parallel planes relative toeach other, and said at least one anode and said at least one cathodeare oriented in relation to said inlet pipe water flow wherein waterflow between said at least one anode and said at least one cathode ismaximized and whereby water flow from between said at least one anodeand said at least one cathode creates a double vortex flow pattern alongsaid containment tank side wall.
 30. The method of claim 29 wherein theion generation level and the ultraviolet radiation level are eachvariable and including electronic control means for operating theultraviolet disinfection means and the ion generating means inaccordance with a pre-programmed scheme.
 31. The method of claim 30wherein the pre-programmed scheme includes selecting one or more from agroup consisting of configuration for single pass through, configurationfor dual pass through, configuration for recirculation, configurationwherein the sequence of exposure to the ion generating means andultraviolet disinfection means can be varied or altered, andconfiguration for controlling the system flow rate and the variable iongeneration and ultraviolet radiation levels to maximize performance, tominimize energy consumption, and to selectively target certainmicroorganisms for inactivation.
 32. A method for preventing fouling ofa water system by algae, nuisance invertebrates, microorganisms andinorganic salts, comprising the steps of providing an apparatus forgenerating ions within the water system, which apparatus comprises awater containment tank having a generally cylindrical tank interior,means for outputting water from said tank, and an ion generating meansdisposed within said tank interior, means for inputting water to saidtank, said water inputting means including an input line that isdisposed generally perpendicularly to the tank interior, providing atleast one apparatus for generating ultraviolet radiation within thewater system, wherein water flowing through the system is exposed toionic discharge and ultraviolet radiation, and wherein fouling of thesystem is prevented.
 33. The method of claim 32 wherein the iongenerating apparatus providing step comprises providing a watercontainment tank, said tank including a generally cylindrical tankinterior, means for outletting water from said tank, and an iongenerating means disposed within said tank interior, an inlet pipe whichis disposed generally perpendicularly to the tank interior, wherein saidcontainment tank includes a tank aperture whereby said tank interior ismade accessible through said aperture, a cover member that isfunctionally adapted to sealingly enclose said tank, said cover membermade of an electrically nonconductive material, a side wall and a sightglass defined within said tank side wall whereby the tank interior maybe visualized, wherein said ion generating means includes at least oneanode and at least one cathode, means for attaching the at least oneanode and the at least one cathode to said tank cover member in proximalspatial relation whereby ions are generated there between when anelectrical potential is applied across the at least one anode and the atleast one cathode, and electronic circuitry for periodically reversingpolarity of said at least one anode and said at least one cathode, andwherein said at least one anode and said at least one cathode are eachconfigured as a plate-like rectangular prism, said at least one anodeand said at least one cathode are placed in generally parallel planesrelative to each other, and said at least one anode and said at leastone cathode are oriented in relation to said inlet pipe water flowwhereby water flow between said at least one anode and said at least onecathode is maximized and whereby water flow from between said at leastone anode and said at least one cathode creates a double vortex flowpattern along said containment tank side wall.
 34. The method of claim33 wherein the ion generation level and the ultraviolet radiation levelare each variable and including electronic control means for operatingthe at least one ultraviolet disinfection apparatus and the iongenerating apparatus in accordance with a pre-programmed scheme.
 35. Themethod of claim 34 wherein the pre-programmed scheme includes selectingone or more from a group consisting of configuration for single passthrough, configuration for dual pass through, configuration forrecirculation, configuration wherein the sequence of exposure to the iongenerating apparatus and the at least one ultraviolet disinfectionapparatus can be varied or altered, and configuration for controllingthe system flow rate and the variable ion generation and ultravioletradiation levels to maximize performance, to minimize energyconsumption, and to selectively target certain microorganisms forinactivation.